The divergence of rural regions in Germany since 1991

Ralf Mai, Federal Institute for Population Research

In this paper the demographic dynamics and structures of rural regions in Germany from 1991 until 2002 (with future prospects) are analysed. The aim of this paper is to analyse the demographic differences as well as similarities of German rural areas and to examine the different causes that underlie them. For this, types of rural areas are classified using demographic and socio-economic indicators. It is supposed that those rural regions with a similar demographic structure also show socio-economic similarities. These structures of the types can help explaining the differences between the regions. It thus shall be pointed out that there are significant differences between the types of rural areas on several levels, which will grow in future and enforce the regional disparities. As an outlook the effects and consequences of the German diverse spatial development for planning and policy-making shall be discussed.